Districts that already had online learning set up were better prepared to deal with the pandemic and remote learning. Setting schools up with networks and technology was challenging but tech departments swung into action and got the job done.
Members identified and discussed their bargaining priorities as well as other important concerns.
Issues arising from the pandemic include:
- having to adapt to different programs
- challenging turnaround times
- increased workload
- having to adapt to working at home, then being mandated to go back to the office
- added anxiety, stress and workload
Members on the call also took the opportunity to ask questions about a variety of topics.
Working from home
Members discussed working from home with some saying they would prefer to continue working from home. The CUPE National Health and Safety Representative noted that upwards of 40 per cent of workers would prefer to work from home. However, working from home is a health and safety issue because there is no ability to do risk assessments of home workstations and if an injury occurs, WorkSafeBC may question that you were actually doing work at the time.
Job descriptions
Members discussed job descriptions, a pressing concern for this group. Some members on the call were from locals currently participating in the Joint Job Evaluation pilot project, which was also discussed.
Mental wellness
Being able to take time off for mental health, and the importance of terminology around mental health issues and leave language was discussed in depth.
Determining provincial proposals
Locals send bargaining surveys to their members to determine their issues and concerns. Every K-12 president is a member of the K-12 Presidents Council. The K-12 Presidents Council discusses issues and votes on which local issues to take forward provincially.
Participants were joined on the call by K-12 Presidents Council executive members, local presidents and CUPE National staff.
K-12 and early learning members are encouraged to take part in this exciting opportunity to hear from others who do the same or similar work, and to share information and priorities.
Labourers, grounds and maintenance are invited to join the call on Tuesday, May 11. On Thursday, May 13 meal program staff and supervisors, including noon hour supervisors, crossing guards and others are invited to join the call.
REGISTER HERE:
Members are welcome to register for any of these upcoming calls any time on the actual day before the call starts.
May 11 5:30 – 7:30 pm Labourers, Grounds and Maintenance
May 13 5:30 – 7:30 pm Meal Program Staff & Supervisors, including noon hour, Crossing Guards & others
May 17 5:30 – 7:30 pm Strong Start, ECEs, and similar classifications
May 18 5:30 – 7:30 pm Trades
Please follow us @cupek12bc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and view bulletins at https://bcschools.cupe.ca.
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